This is the first book I've read by this author and really enjoyed it! This definitely makes me want to pick up other books by them. This was unique, relatively fast paced, and well thought out!

A brilliant well written book that I could just not leave down , such a fantastic story that left you guessing right to the end but a really good ending that explained everything that unfolded throughout the book . Brilliant characters that were so well written about you felt you were in their lives with them . A brilliant story told with many a shock and a wow as you read chapter after chapter not wanting to leave it down. I would really recommend this book as a must read.

Natasha is the only person in her group who has a great career, but wants more. Her longtime friends have had or do have a career and happy lives, but what Natasha wants is a husband. Then she meets Daniel. He is rich, ambitious and good looking! He know how close she is to her friends,so Daniel books a cruise for all of them.. so why do they all dislike him? What does each wife know. It seems they all have a secret and one that will be exposed on the cruise.
I thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Valerie Keogh’s The Wives is a captivating psychological thriller that explores the dark complexities of relationships, secrets, and betrayal. With its intriguing plot, strong character development, and unpredictable twists, Keogh delivers a gripping read that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

The story follows three women who, despite being married to the same man, are unknowingly tied together by a web of lies. As the novel progresses, the tension builds as the women start to unravel the truth about their shared husband and the secrets he has been hiding from each of them. Keogh does a great job of creating an atmosphere of suspense, and the gradual unfolding of the story keeps readers engaged throughout.

The characters are well-drawn, with each wife having her own distinct personality, background, and emotional baggage. Keogh does an excellent job of delving into the complexities of their relationships, not just with their husband, but with each other. The internal conflicts of the women are portrayed realistically, making them relatable and multifaceted. The shifting perspectives and emotional depth of the characters add an extra layer of intrigue to the plot.

The pacing is solid, with the story steadily building towards its dramatic climax. While some of the twists may be somewhat predictable for seasoned thriller readers, Keogh executes them with enough flair to make them feel satisfying. The final revelations are intense, and the ending offers a sense of closure while leaving a lingering sense of unease.

However, there are moments in the book where the plot could have delved deeper into the emotional complexities of the characters, especially in terms of their motivations and the impact of their choices. But overall, The Wives is a gripping and entertaining read that excels at creating suspense and exploring the dynamics of a toxic relationship.

In conclusion, The Wives is a fast-paced, psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Valerie Keogh’s strong writing, engaging characters, and skillful plotting make it a solid choice for fans of suspenseful, twist-filled thrillers. While it may not be groundbreaking, it is a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing read.

I just loved this book, and did not see the ending coming. Book was very well written and I will definitely read more by Ms Keogh in future. Highly recommended.
TB

*The Wives* by Valerie Keogh is a twisty, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that dives deep into the dangerous world of lies, secrets, and deadly decisions. In this thrilling narrative, the stakes are high, the secrets are darker, and the characters are far from what they seem. Keogh once again proves herself as the queen of domestic noir, delivering a gripping story that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.

The story centers around Natasha, a woman who seems to have it all—married to the handsome, wealthy, and charming Daniel, she believes her life is finally perfect. When Daniel invites Natasha and her friends—Barbara, Tracy Ann, and Michelle—on an extravagant all-expenses-paid cruise, it seems like the ultimate way to flaunt her success. But as the ship sets sail, Natasha soon discovers that her perfect husband has secrets that could unravel everything. Worse yet, each of the wives has their own reasons for wanting Daniel dead.

The tension in *The Wives* builds slowly at first, lulling the reader into a false sense of security, before quickly escalating into a high-stakes game of manipulation, betrayal, and murder. Keogh skillfully weaves multiple layers of intrigue, revealing the complicated dynamics between the characters as the dark secrets and hidden motives surface. Every character has a hidden agenda, and as the narrative progresses, the reader is led down a labyrinth of deception where no one is safe from the consequences of their actions.

Keogh’s writing is fast-paced and full of suspense, with each chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading. The psychological tension between the characters is palpable, and the unreliable nature of the narrators makes for a thrilling ride as the truth slowly comes to light. The twists are masterfully executed, with the final revelation being one that no one could have seen coming.

What sets *The Wives* apart is its exploration of the complexities of relationships, jealousy, and the darker side of human nature. The perfect facade of wealth and happiness quickly shatters, exposing the bitterness, insecurities, and desires lurking beneath the surface. Keogh’s sharp social commentary on the lengths people will go to protect their secrets and maintain their status is woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the story not just a thrilling ride but a reflection on the fragility of trust and the consequences of betrayal.

For fans of psychological thrillers and domestic noir, *The Wives* is a must-read. Valerie Keogh’s expert storytelling and ability to deliver unexpected twists will leave you breathless and questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters. If you're looking for a book full of suspense, dark secrets, and shocking revelations, *The Wives* will not disappoint. Keogh has once again crafted a gripping, unforgettable thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The Wives by Valerie Keogh is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of friendship, marriage, and hidden secrets. The story centers on Natasha, who believes she's found her perfect match in Daniel—rich, handsome, and charming. To showcase her newfound happiness, Daniel arranges an all-expenses-paid cruise for Natasha, her three closest friends—Barbara, Tracy Ann, and Michelle—and their husbands. However, as the voyage progresses, Natasha discovers that Daniel harbors dark secrets, and each of the wives has their own reasons for wanting him dead.

Keogh masterfully builds tension by narrating the story from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to delve into each character's psyche and uncover their hidden motives. The confined setting of the cruise ship amplifies the suspense, as long-buried secrets surface and relationships are tested. While some readers have noted a desire for more likable characters, the intricate plot and unexpected twists keep the pages turning. Fans of domestic thrillers will find The Wives an engaging and thought-provoking read.

First of all, thank you for letting me read this.

This book was a quick and entertaining read, sadly the characters who were supposed to be best friends acted more like bullies towards each other and this made the whole “best friends on a cruise” vibe a little less fun. Why would they even go if they cannot be anything but mean to each other.
There was lots of backstabbing and secrets, but no real suspense.
I had to finish and figure out who dunnit, however, this was not the exciting thriller I had hoped it would be.

Natasha has met the man of her dreams, rich and successful, absolutely perfect, or so she thinks. Generous Daniel invites her friends and their s/o on an all expenses paid cruise! Unbeknownst to Natasha, not all of her friends are enthralled with Daniel nor impressed with his "generosity" but they willingly accept their invitation. Shortly into the cruise, we find out who Daniel really is....through multiple POVs.

Full of SHOCKING surprises! I seriously could not put this book down! I was FLOORED!

Loved this!
This is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, the writing is both engaging and suspenseful, with well-developed characters that add depth to the narrative.
The pacing of the novel is perfect, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers hooked without feeling overwhelmed.
Really enjoyable

Wow! Amazing read. So much suspense and this book had me needing to know what happens next at the turn of every chapter.
Highly recommended. A big five stars from me.

Phenomenal and fast paced psychological thriller. This one sucks you right in and you don’t want to put it down till you find out what happens next.
The audiobook version was also great.
Definitely a book to check out if you like any kind of psychological thriller.

This is a tightly-woven, gripping, psychological thriller that will take you into a world of luxury, deception, and simmering resentment. From the moment Natasha meets Daniel, it seems like a dream come true—he’s rich, handsome, and the kind of man who turns heads wherever he goes. But beneath his polished exterior lies a darkness that Natasha and her circle of friends are about to uncover in the most chilling way possible.

The story kicks off with an all-expenses-paid cruise for Natasha, her friends Barbara, Tracy Ann, Michelle, and their husbands—a lavish display of her seemingly perfect life. But as their journey begins, the facades each character has carefully crafted begin to slowly melt away. Daniel’s charm begins to unravel, revealing sinister secrets that threaten not just his marriage, but the fragile bonds within the entire group. Each wife harbors her own motive for wanting him gone, making the story a tense game of suspicion and survival.

The pacing of the story was just right, keeping the tensions high, yet deliberate enough allowing me to appreciate every twist. The confined setting of the cruise ship adds a claustrophobic edge, intensifying the suspense as the characters have nowhere to run from their darkest truths—or each other.

The dynamic between Natasha and her friends adds depth, showing how jealousy, loyalty, and betrayal can coexist within the same relationships. The shifting perspectives kept me guessing, with shocking reveals that had me questioning everyone’s motives.

In conclusion, this is a gripping, suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's the perfect pick if you like stories about toxic relationships, hidden agendas, and the deadly cost of secrets.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The Wives was a fast paced read full of twists and turns. It had interesting but not particularly likeable characters which I enjoyed reading about.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

When this book opened with Natasha getting fed up with a job she once loved, as an intensive care nurse, then meeting Daniel, a handsome charismatic guy that's very rich.
Once they start dating, the red flags are there for all to see, I wanted to shake Natasha and tell her to run.
It's when Daniel suggests they go on a luxury cruise, and she invites her three best friends, Barbara, Michelle, and Tracey Ann, along with their husbands, that things get more interesting.
I thought to begin with this might be another of those books that was oh so predictable and I'm happy I was wrong.
A cruise ship is a great setting to allow the wives and their husbands to start revealing secrets they'd rather remained hidden.
There are some great reveals and shocks along the way. All the women and most of their husbands have had dealings with Daniel and not come out well. None of the other friends knows of their predicaments however.
I liked how the author hinted at the long last affect of the pandemic on nurses. I think a ticking time bomb that's waiting to blow. It also shows how difficult adult friendships are, particularly if not everyone goes off to marry and have children. Being the same age as the characters I could relate to a lot of the struggles.
A really quick read I couldn't put down.

The Wives by Valerie Keogh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This thriller involves 4 couples on one cruise ship that ends in 1 death and the unraveling of friendship. No one can be trusted and the characters are unreliable.

A brilliant read by Valerie Keogh. An intreguing story from the beginning focusing around the central characters of Daniel & Natasha, who seemingly have it all. 4 girls and their husbands all going on a cruise together paid for and arranged by Daniel, but is all what it seems?

Could not put this book down, an absolutely additive read.

The Wives was a fast paced page turner. The characters weren't very likeable, and they had many secrets from each other. Supposed best friends who set out together on a cruise where secrets begin to be discovered, and events turn deadly. While I didn't love the characters, I did enjoy the storyline. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

When Natasha met Daniel at a gallery opening, their attraction was mutual. He is in finance, always by his phone, constantly working. She is a nurse manager with a successful career, who always thought she’d be someone, unlike her friends who settle down to be housewives.
The foursome, along with Barbara, Michele and Tracy Ann are friends from university, they share their ups and downs through life.
After a few months of meeting David he suggests she moved to his big penthouse with an amazing view of the city. Her tiny flat is not comparison, but it’s her place and conveniently close to the clinic.
After delivering she moved out and shortly after, he proposed.
Her friends think their relationship is going too fast, now she quits her job.
He decides to invite her three friends and their husbands on a seven-night cruise around the Zanzibar Archipelago. Her fiends are skeptical but they agree nonetheless.
Daniel’s success seems to be shady but his not the only one with secrets. The cruise seems to be the perfect setting to discover each and everyone’s hidden past.
I really enjoyed it, I couldn’t put it down

This is my second Valerie Keogh book and I loved it! This read was fast paced and kept me at the edge of my seat. The ending carried the biggest plot twist! Valerie Kepgh is becoming an auto buy author for me!